The Art of Preaching

Prepared to Preach: Before going on mission, Friars of the Province of Saint Joseph receive Fulton Sheen’s blessing at the Church of St. Vincent Ferrer

Do you ever wonder what makes an effective preacher? As a young priest, Fulton Sheen was given this advice: “Always keep current; know what the modern world is thinking about; read its poetry, its history, its literature; observe its architecture and art; hear its music and its theatre; and then plunge deeply into Saint Thomas Aquinas and you will be able to purify it of errors.”

A Dominican professor at the Angelicum once remarked, “You see that priest over there? He will be the next Fulton Sheen!” He was pointing at a young Robert Barron who has also turned his preaching into a Thomistic art form.

Bishop Robert Barron

“I am proud to say that I am a priest and a theologian because of the good Dominicans who formed me when I was a young man. The Dominican dedication to truthfulness, lively preaching, and fellowship have inspired me throughout my life. Dominicans continue to be an indispensable leaven in our culture.” — Bishop Robert Barron

Fr. Ignatius Smith, O.P.

In the earlier days of The Catholic University of America, one student saw a striking resemblance between Father Ignatius Smith, O.P., and Fulton Sheen. Father Smith responded by putting his head back and, in slow, resonant tones, said, “I taught him.”

The Friars know the relevance of Thomistic philosophy. Especially when presenting the truth to a questioning audience. Your support guarantees that the Friars not only are effective preachers, but that they will help educate a whole new generation of priests as well.